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I’m happy to announce I’ve moved back west to Colorado – especially since Boston and Wellesley, Massachusetts have experienced such record amounts of snowfall!

Speaking of records, in case you’re not aware, Richard Schmid’s painting, “Yellow Roses” oil 20” x 30” sold for $187,200, setting a world record at the 2014 Jackson Hole Art Auction in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last autumn.

If you’re like me, I can’t wait for spring to reappear in earnest and with it comes the desire to re-hang my paintings in the new home I’m building in Colorado Springs. I miss seeing my collection of oils by Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Clyde Aspevig, Carol Guzman, Judy Stach and paintings by my late husband, Timothy R Thies as well as works by George Carlson!

Many of you have asked to be included on the waiting list whenever one of Richard Schmid’s paintings becomes available. So, I’m writing to let you know about a few artworks I’ve consigned to my gallery. I also have a couple wonderful oils by Nancy Guzik and one small gem by Daniel J. Keys. And, I know I’ll be receiving other new oils this spring! To view the paintings, please log onto

I’m also writing to let you know Richard celebrated his 80th Birthday in October 2014. His wife Nancy sent out a global birthday card request and consequently, he received over 5000 letters and cards from collectors, artists, and fans from thirty-seven countries around the world! Richard is doing quite well, he is working on two new projects and will be returning to his easel in the coming months.

Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik receiving Birthday cards from his fans around the world.

I myself am in the process of writing a new volume celebrating Richard’s Art and many accomplishments. No doubt he is one of the world’s foremost living artists, educators, and philanthropists, and according to Steve Doherty, one of the most influential artists of our time. But, I‘m also compelled to share the untold story and photos of my remarkable friendship with he and his wife Nancy Guzik over the past 17 years.

Nancy Guzik in her studio with Max the cat!

I’ve also included a few photos from our highly successful show in Boston.

West Wind Fine Art’s Show at the historic St. Botolph Club, Boston, MA 2014

Nancy Guzik, Richard Schmid with Kathy Anderson and her oil painting, at our autumn show at the St. Botolph Club.

Late winter is a perfect time to celebrate the joys of life and the beauty of Fine Art. Please give me a call if you wish to add a new special piece to your collection.

And, we’ll also show some highlights from the 2nd annual Au Coeur Academy Workshops being held by my friends, Sheryll and Douglas Reichwein near Charleston, SC. For more info. visit http://www.aucoeuracademy.com

The long, warm, and sometimes sultry days of summer are winding down, and herald the excitement of a new season. In New England, autumn unfolds as a glorious array of stunning colors and conjures thoughts of apple pie and clear, crisp days and piles of autumn leaves.

Featured in Southwest Art’s September 2014 issue, “Making Magic: Painter Nancy Guzik sprinkles fairy dust and beauty into her art by Gussie Fauntleroy.

It’s harvest time and perfect for celebrating. So please mark your calendars for Nov. 15th and 16th – and join us at our highly anticipated three person show, RICHARD SCHMID, NANCY GUZIK & KATHY ANDERSON: A Celebration of New Paintings at the Historic St. Botolph Club in Boston. For details go over to http://www.westwindfineart.com/events

It is with great pleasure that we dreamers and artists offer up new paintings – moments captured in oils to express color harmony, the delights of enduring friendship and love, and exuberant garden flowers.

Then on Sunday, Nov. 16th, you won’t want to miss The BOSTON PREMIER of the short documentary Film: “THE SENATOR & THE ARTIST,” Richard Schmid’s painting demonstration of then Senator James Jeffords, of Vermont in 2001. Seating is limited so please reserve early. To purchase tickets please click here

All three artists will be present to personally autograph books and our new Exhibition Catalog after the film. (Please note autographed copies may only be purchased at the show).

Autumn 2014 also marks Richard Schmid’s 80th birthday and West Wind Fine Art’s 16th anniversary. We happily invite you to join Richard, Nancy Guzik, Kathy Anderson, and myself in our celebration of creativity, friendship, and life. I know you’ll be caught up by the beauty and magic of their exquisite paintings!

Spring is finally here in Massachusetts, and although winter seemed incredibly long, its been a really productive time! I am really excited to announce the redesign of my website, http://www.westwindfineart.com. I’m also extremely happy to announce several new events I’ve planned for 2014 with a few of my close friends in Art and in Life.

The first event is scheduled from April 9-12 and is being produced by Sheryll and Douglas Reichwein, the founders of www.aucoeuracademy.com

They are dedicating this event to BEAUTY AT THE HEART OF THE CULTURE.And, they’ve selected NANCY GUZIK as the recipient of the first annual “BEAUTY IN CULTURE AWARD”for exemplifying beauty’s essential qualities and making exceptional cultural contributions. The award ceremony will take place on April 11 at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC. For more information go over to their web site listed above.

I’m also pleased to announce that I’ve been invited by The Oil Painters of America to be a part of their 23rd National Exhibition and Convention held at the Bennington Center for the Arts, June 4th to 8th, 2014. I’m scheduled to give a talk on Friday, June 6 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in Bennington, Vermont.

My digital talk is titled: How To Present Your Most Professional Self–Inspiring Ideas to Help Take Your Art to the Next Level– A topic near and dear to my own heart, because one of my greatest desires is to assist Artists in achieving fulfillment and greater success in their Fine Art careers. For more information and to register please contact, Kathryn Beligratis, Executive Director at 847-277-1721 or visit www.OilPaintersofAmerica.com

Then this autumn, I’m extremely happy to announce a very special event: DANIEL J. KEYS -ONE PERSON SHOW -September 13- 21, 2014. I’ve leased a beautiful gallery space in Boston located at 162 Newbury Street on the 2nd Floor. The Artists reception is Saturday, September 13th from 4-7 pm.

In addition, I’m delighted to announce that Kathy Anderson has accepted my invitation to represent her paintings. Please go over to my new web site to view her paintings and to read all of the artists up-to-date bios.

In addition, I’m excited to announce that the historic St. Botolph Club in Boston, MA will be the site for my Autumn 2014 Show! The Artist’s reception will be Saturday, November 15 from 2-5pm and will include new paintings by some of my closest friends Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik and Kathy Anderson with Bronzes by George Carlson. Then on Sunday, Nov. 16th we’re going to present The Boston Premier of “THE SENATOR AND THE ARTIST: A Portrait Demonstration by Richard Schmid.” It’s a great documentaryof Richard painting Senator James Jeffords of Vermont. The film was shot during a fundraiser in 2001 at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, Vermont. So please save the date! More details to come.

Reflections on an incredible summer–
As autumn begins in earnest, I can’t help focusing some light on my excellent adventures during the summer of 2013.

In case, dear reader, you have not seen this exceptional photo, here’s the story of my Fascinator Hat!

When I first purchased my Fascinator Hat, I thought I’d only wear it one time at Abbotsford during the Royal opening of the New Visitor’s center. I wanted to dress appropriately to meet one of the Royal VIP’s, but I never imagined I’d be presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Richard Schmid’s emissary!

For more on the subject, scroll down to read, Excerpt from Jeffrey Carlson – Contributing Editor, Fine Art Today.

Richard Schmid Painting Presented to Queen Elizabeth II
Melrose Scotland, July 3, 2013
During the Royal Opening of Abbotsford – The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Kristen Thies presenting Abbotsford House oil 30” x 50”

by Richard Schmid to Queen Elizabeth II

I’m quoted as saying, “ I will cherish this honor for the rest of my life…”
Needless to say, it was a once in a life -time event!

However, I did have the opportunity to wear “The Fascinator Hat” again during a Downton Abby inspired Garden Party at Elm Bank, the home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Wellesley, Massachusetts during the last weekend of summer.

I’m really proud to be a member of this great society, beautifully run by a dedicated group of Master Gardeners who organized this fundraiser to assist the Garden to Table Program.

Grow Your Own Food-Start with a seed. End with a meal. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden to Table Program offers the Public an opportunity to come together in a beautiful and welcoming setting to learn about growing, cooking, and preserving healthy food.

Mass Hort. is uniquely situated to help in this effort. Since 1829, Mass Hort. has been a leader in learning and teaching about horticulture. With their Garden to Table program, they’re offering their knowledge of plants to enhance the well-being of the community. They also support Food Pantries by growing food that is donated to the Wellesley and Natick Food Pantries.

Last year, their gardens produced nearly 4,000 pounds of produce to help families in need. They also recently embarked on an exciting partnership with the Tufts University Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. They created an organic garden in the sun-filled lobby, and are donating the vegetables grown there to the Greater Boston Food Bank. Visit: http://www.masshort.org/Garden-to-Table-Program.

Here are a few shots I took during a recent Photography class at Elm Bank’s exquisite gardens.

Which is a perfect Segway to announce my Small Treasures Show featuring paintings,
such as Richard Schmid’s “ Nasturtiums Sketch,” oil 9” x 12.” His new landmark book,
Alla Prima II and The Landscapes book will also be available for sale.

The Small Treasures Show is really a celebration of beauty, joy and friendship.
The Opening reception is on Saturday, November 31 in Boston, MA from 3-5 pm.

My friend Bill Craig, owner of Haley and Steele and my company, West Wind Fine Art are joining together to usher in the Autumn season of Thanksgiving and will present small paintings and sculpture by the artists I represent as well as the artists in his gallery which is located on the 2nd floor at 162 Newbury, one of Boston’s most historic and fashionable streets.

I’ve curated a wonderful selection of small paintings by Clyde Aspevig, like his plein air 11” x 14” Oil titled, “Mary’s Lake- Naushon Island” just off the southern coast of Cape Cod.

Daniel gave a live still life demonstration last June during the three -day celebration of Art hosted by myself, and West Wind Fine Art at Regis College’s center Foyer.

Ryan Mellody, creative director of the wonderful on line magazine, www.artistsonart.com filmed Daniel Key’s painting demo. And together, the three of us, are producing this brand new DVD that includes an introduction and twelve-page catalog of Daniel’s paintings.

Please join us to watch a short trailer of Dan’s DVD and his 30 minute digital presentation, “Fluidity and Color: the Art of Daniel J. Keys” followed by a Q&A session and delicious brownies and refreshments. For tickets visit: http://www.WestWindFineArt.com

The Collector’s Edition will be available for sale for the first time which consists of the
New DVD and a signed and numbered limited edition print, “Unfolding Petals.” 11” x 14.”

In addition, larger paintings by Daniel Keys, Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik and Clyde Aspevig will be on view. West Wind Fine Art will donate a portion of the sales to the Regis College’s scholarship fund. We’ll also be raffling one of Dan’s framed prints, “Unfolding Petals” to benefit Regis College’s scholarship fund.

The Small Treasures Show will be held from November 31- December 30, 2013
At Haley & Steele, and curated by Kristen Thies of West Wind Fine Art at
162 Newbury Street, Boston. For directions call 617- 539-6339
For more information: Contact Kristen Thies, CEO/ Owner West Wind Fine Art
Kristen@WestWindFineArt.com | 508-566-9463.

This blog is written by KRISTEN THIES Curating Fine Art Collections with Integrity Since 1998

Dear Friends,
Today I’m excited to announce our 15th Anniversary Show June 21-23, 2013.
It also marks a turning point–a time to reflect on my life with my late husband Timothy who passed away three years ago. But 2013 also marks the beginning of springtime with the promise of a new, wonder-filled year which is filling up with many exciting adventures.

But just in case you’re not aware, my Irish Terrier Lilly and I moved to a beautiful new home on Morse’s Pond in Wellesley, MA in 2012. And, this new Blog site has had more than 10,000 views. Plus the short documentary film I produced titled, “Richard Schmid’s Journey to Abbotsford- the home of Sir Walter Scott.” for West Wind Fine Art’s YouTube Channel, has been seen by more than 5000 people world wide!

I also assisted Nancy Guzik in producing her adorable video, “Where Fairy Tales Come Alive.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4Jw6Xiy_E It is the first of many films that will give artists and non artists an exclusive behind the scenes look of Nancy painting children directly from life.

I was recently asked for a quote about our 15th Anniversary Show… All I can think of is this: It’s a privilege and my joy to promote excellence in Fine Art. As much as I miss Timothy, I know he is in a wondrous place. And, I also know he would be proud that I’m carrying on the adventure we began together in 1998.

Here are the details on the other events scheduled for the weekend of June 21-23,Please join us in Celebrating our 15th Anniversary

Two more exciting events:
Artists Paint Out in the Tower Garden Sat. June 22nd | 8 am to Noon
with Buffet Lunch, Saturday, June 22nd in the gallery | Noon – 1:30
$12 per ticket –
and
Painting the Still Life Demo. by Daniel J. Keys Regis College Center Foyer
Sunday June 23rd | 9 am to 1:00 pm
$25 per ticket –

To register for the Artist’s Paint Out and buffet lunch with Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Daniel Keys, Judy Stach and our other artist friends, and Painting The Still Life with Daniel J. Keys Demo please click on: http://www.westwindfineart.com/news/news.htm

Its always a joy to collaborate with her because together, we allow ourselves to enter the realm of pure creativity, joy and wonder. I also want to give a shout out to artist Ryan Mellody for his expertise in the making of this little gem.

Like me, Nancy is a perfectionist and although the little film isn’t very long, it represents her countless hours of dedication to excellence in the arts.

As I reflect on the recent tragedy in CT, I feel a true calling to help uplift our spirits by focusing on the joys of life. So, I’m beginning to plan new events and videos that I believe will inspire you in 2013!

In the meantime, take a few minutes out of your busy lives and click on the youtube link below. The video and painting are titled, “Where Fairy Tales Come Alive.” Nancy wrote: “Here is our gift of gratitude. We created this video for you and all the children around the World! – Nancy Guzik & Kristen Thies